Craving a treat that’s sweet, soft, and full of flavor? Look no further than these Cinnamon Sugar Donuts! In this post, I’ll show you how to whip up irresistible baked delights that will have everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be enjoying warm, fluffy donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar in no time. Let’s dive in and make your baking dreams come true!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
– ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Gathering these ingredients is your first step to making delicious cinnamon sugar donuts. The dry ingredients create the base of the donuts, giving them structure and flavor. The all-purpose flour acts as the main ingredient, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise, creating a fluffy texture. Salt enhances all the flavors, and cinnamon gives that warm, cozy taste we love.
Next, the wet ingredients bring moisture and richness. Buttermilk adds a slight tang, which balances the sweetness. The egg binds everything together, while melted butter adds a rich flavor and moistness. Vanilla extract rounds it all out with a lovely aroma.
Finally, the topping ingredients are what make these donuts truly irresistible. The combination of sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet and spicy coating. Melted butter helps the topping stick, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
For the full recipe, follow the steps to mix these ingredients and create your delightful treats. Enjoy the process as much as the end result!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Lightly grease a donut pan. This helps the donuts come out easily.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
This step makes sure everything mixes well and tastes great.
Combining Wet Ingredients
– In a separate bowl, whisk together:
– ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay!
Baking the Donuts
– Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan. Fill each cavity about ¾ full.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be lightly golden.
– Allow cooling for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Coating the Donuts
– While the donuts cool, prepare the topping. In a shallow bowl, mix:
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– While still warm, dip each donut in 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Then roll in the cinnamon sugar mix until coated.
Enjoy your warm, sweet treats! For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Doughnut Texture
To create the best doughnut, avoid overmixing. When you mix too much, the doughnuts can turn out tough. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are okay!
Another tip is to use room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter mix better and rise nicely. For instance, take your egg and buttermilk out of the fridge before you start.
Baking Tips
Before baking, make sure your oven is fully preheated. A hot oven ensures even baking. If your oven is not hot enough, your doughnuts may not rise well.
To check if your doughnuts are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a doughnut. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If it has wet batter, bake a bit longer.
Serving Suggestions
These doughnuts are best served warm. Pair them with coffee or tea for a delightful treat. The warmth enhances their flavor and texture.
For added flavor, consider garnishing. You can drizzle a simple glaze on top or sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar. Chopped nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder are also great options to try!
Variations
Flavor Options
You can make your cinnamon sugar donuts even more fun by mixing in chocolate chips or nuts. These ingredients add a nice crunch and flavor twist. Try walnuts or pecans for a nutty taste. You can also use different spices like nutmeg or allspice. They can give your donuts a warm, rich flavor that pairs well with cinnamon.
Glaze Alternatives
If you want a sweeter finish, consider a milk glaze. This glaze is simple to make. Just mix powdered sugar with milk until you get a smooth texture. Drizzle it over your donuts for extra sweetness. For a unique twist, use maple syrup. It adds a lovely flavor that complements the cinnamon.
Vegan Substitutes
Want to make your donuts vegan? Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. You can also substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk and vinegar. This keeps the donuts moist and fluffy while staying vegan-friendly.
Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions!
Storage Info
Storing Donuts
To keep your cinnamon sugar donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method keeps the donuts soft for a few days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. Just be sure to seal them well to avoid moisture loss.
Freezing Guidelines
You can freeze these delicious donuts for up to three months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms them up and revives their soft texture.
For extra fun, consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of nuts when you reheat. You can find the full recipe for these delightful treats in the earlier sections. Enjoy your baking!
FAQs
How to make donuts fluffy?
To make donuts light and fluffy, you need to follow a few key steps. Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk. This helps the batter mix better. Avoid overmixing when you combine wet and dry ingredients. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make the donuts tough. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder won’t give your donuts the lift they need. Lastly, bake until they are just golden. This keeps them soft inside.
Can I bake donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can bake donuts without a donut pan! Use a muffin tin instead. Just grease the tin well or use paper liners. Fill each cup about halfway with batter. This will give you donut-shaped muffins. You can also make a free-form shape on a baking sheet. Just pipe the batter into rings or use a round cutter to shape. They won’t look like classic donuts, but they will taste great!
What’s the difference between cake and yeast donuts?
Cake donuts and yeast donuts differ in texture and method. Cake donuts use a batter made with baking powder or baking soda. They are denser and have a crumbly texture. Yeast donuts use yeast as a leavening agent, making them light and airy. Yeast donuts rise before baking, which adds to their fluffiness. Both types are delicious, but they give you a different eating experience.
How to customize the cinnamon sugar coating?
You can easily make your cinnamon sugar coating unique! Start with the basic mix of sugar and cinnamon. Then, try adding nutmeg for a warm flavor twist. For a crunchier texture, add a bit of finely chopped nuts. If you want a touch of sweetness, mix in some brown sugar. You can also experiment with flavored sugars, like vanilla or orange zest. This will add an extra layer of taste to your cinnamon sugar donuts.
You learned how to make delicious donuts step by step. Start with dry and wet ingredients. Follow the mixing and baking instructions carefully. Use tips for the best texture and flavor. Try variations for fun twists, and know how to store them well.
Homemade donuts are a tasty treat. Enjoy them fresh or try new flavors. With this guide, you can impress friends and family. Create your own special version next time!
